The City of Sault Ste. Marie wishes to correct Unifor Local 1359's misrepresentation of the factual elements concerning the present state of collective bargaining between the two parties. As well as misrepresenting recent Council decisions concerning Fire Services, Unifor Local 1359's assertion that City officials have not followed Council's direction in the negotiations is categorically false and has no basis in fact.

There are few remaining issues to resolve in this negotiation. Unfortunately, Unifor Local 1359 has refused to negotiate beyond their latest offer and seek a compromise on these remaining issues. The City has consistently offered an expedited arbitration process to conclude the agreement and will abide by the arbitrator's decision. The City remains perplexed as to why Unifor Local 1359 is unwilling to proceed in this manner, choosing instead to pursue a route to labour disruption.

Both Unifor Local 1359 and the City of Sault Ste. Marie will meet with the Ontario Labour Relations Board on April 4, 2018 on the matter of the Essential Services Agreement.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie values the important work paramedics do and will continue to negotiate an agreement in a responsible manner that is fair to our employees and affordable to the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie.